Travel Insurance

Although we hope you never need it, we always advise all Rent a Villa in Tuscany clients to take out adequate TRAVEL INSURANCE. With this in mind, we've put together some useful information and tips to help you choose the correct Travel Insurance policy (for UK residents, other country info soon).

NOTE : - THE E1.11 is no longer valid for health cover in Europe. Full info coming soon. In the meantime here is the essential information. You have to apply for a European Health Insurance Card which is like a credit card. You can apply on line at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or it can be done on the telephone in the UK only at 0845 46 47. From outside the Uk there is another web site www.dh.gov.uk/travellers and they have a telephone no. available 9 -5 UK time for travel advice +44 20 7210 4850

TRAVEL INSURANCE - Better safe than sorry!

- Always take out Travel Insurance well in advance of travelling. Sometimes medical costs can be astronomic and without sufficient insurance cover you could end up in serious trouble. Apart from medical expenses the policy should also cover things like; legal expenses,cancellation & curtailment, loss of money, baggage, passport, etc. and personal liability.

- Make sure you choose Insurance Coverage to match any activity that you intend to undertake, so that you and your equipment are covered while participating, e.g. skiing, scuba diving etc.

- Single trip policies are available for trips up to a maximum duration (usually 31 days), if your trip is going to be longer, check with the insurance company first.

- Cover for winter or dangerous sports will usually mean a higher premium.

- If you travel more than twice a year, it is probably cheaper, and definitely more convenient, to take out annual travel insurance.

- Most annual policies will specify the maximum length of each trip (usually 31 days), so make sure you find a policy with flexible rating if your trips are going to be longer.

- Annual policies will generally cover winter sports for trips of up to 17 days, but may not include scuba diving.

- Buying travel insurance online can mean you pay less than half the premium charged by tour operators or in the High Street.

- If you go away on business trips regularly, make sure you are covered – many policies exclude business travel.

- If you take out travel insurance as a couple, make sure you are covered if you travel independently of each other.

- If you have children, family cover may be better value – but look out for the number of children allowed on the policy.

- When claiming, most insurance companies require receipts to be produced for all items lost, damaged or stolen. If you replace items, ensure you retain the receipts.

Exclusions

Most (UK) insurance companies will NOT give you a quote if you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions:

- Have you or any of the other people to be named on the policy ever been refused travel insurance or had any terms imposed?

- Have you or any of the other people to be named on the policy suffered from any serious or recurring illness?

- Are you or any of the other people to be named on the policy aware of any reason why a planned holiday will be cancelled or cut short?

- Are any personal or family trips for business purposes?

- Is there anyone on whom your journey depends (whether travelling or not) who suffers from any chronic or recurring illness which may lead you to cancel or cut short your holiday?

- Do you reside anywhere other than in the UK?

- Some policies also exclude those people aged over 65 or have special terms and conditions.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL- simple, online travel insurance, great prices

E1.11 FORM

An E1.11 is a form that entitles you and your family to free or reduced-cost emergency medical treatment in most of Western Europe. Travelling with it can give you extra peace of mind and save on medical insurance bills.

What is covered?
Only state-provided emergency treatment is covered and you receive care on the same terms as nationals of the countries you're visiting. Treatment may not include all the things you would expect to receive free on the NHS.

And what is not?
Emergency dental treatment is often not covered, and you may have to pay for extras such as X-rays. The cost of bringing a person back to the UK, in the event of illness or death, is not covered.

Will I have to pay?
Each country has its own rules. In some, treatment is free or you have to pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full cost and then claim a partial or full refund.

Where do I get an E1.11?
From your local post office. Fill it in, and it will be stamped and signed and returned to you. This is important - if it's not signed by the post office, it is not valid. You need your national insurance number (you can find it on your payslip) or your pension number, to complete the form. Keep it with your passport and always carry it when travelling in the EEA. The booklet accompanying the E1.11 form gives details about what treatment is available in each of the qualifying countries. Keep it with you when you travel. Follow the rules of each particular country or you may have to pay charges, which cannot be refunded.

Which countries are covered by the scheme?
Countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). These are 14 European Union countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden; plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.Remember that if you cross from Greece into Turkey, for example, you will not be covered and should take out extra insurance.

Do I have to pay for it?
No, it's free.

Does it expire?
No. There is no time limit for an E1.11. It remains valid as long as you remain resident in the UK. You will only need to apply for another if you use it to claim for treatment or if you lose it. If you move house, you should get a new E1.11.

Who is included on the form?
The E1.11 covers you, your spouse and your children up to the age of 16, or 19 if they are in full-time education. If also covers an unmarried partner if you have children together. When children reach adulthood they should apply for their own form and you should get a new E1.11 without the children included.

What do I do if I need treatment?
Always keep a photocopy of the form with the original. This is important if you need treatment in the Netherlands, Italy, France Germany or Spain as a photocopy is required as well as your original E1.11.You will be given back your original but the photocopy will be kept.

How do I claim a refund?
Claim any refunds by applying, either in person or by post, to the relevant authority in the country you are visiting. You must include the original documents.
If you leave your claim until you return to the UK, you should apply to:

DSS Benefits Agency,
Pensions and Overseas,
Benefits Directorate (Med),
Tyneview Park,
Whitley Rd,
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE98 12BA,
tel: 0191 218 7547.

They will liaise with the authorities of the other country on your behalf. Send your bills, prescriptions and receipts. If possible keep copies for yourself. Because you are not refunded from the NHS, you may have to wait a long time to receive your refund.